It's all relational.

Today after work I had "coffee" (a smoothie) with a friend and was reminded of the importance and necessity of friendship and encouragement, conversations and growing. Which requires another to happen. I've always been an introvert to some extent, scoring high on the "deep thinker" category of personality tests and preferring time alone (surprised?) over time in a crowd, even a crowd of friends (I'm a closet loner ;p). But I'm learning that although I have my personal preferences and personality traits, imitating Christ and being conformed into Christlikeness involves and demands a stretch of (or out of) the intently personal side of ourselves. Something that only God is able to do in me.

One of my personal desires and commitments this year (and every year but particularly this year since who knows how long we have to live) is to experience personal and spiritual growth. On the physical (and I guess mental) front that is inevitable (I'm going to be a Mom soon! - God willing); growth in the spiritual aspect, however, doesn't happen without intention, discipline, and a surrender to the molding of the Holy Spirit, even if that requires rebuke, being vulnerable, being corrected, or getting my 'pride' hurt. And although we can never underestimate the power and work of the Holy Spirit to reveal much of our weaknesses, shortcomings, and faults to us directly and primarily through the Word, we can't deny that He also uses people to "sharpen" us - "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." But again, this doesn't happen without the right heart to receive it or the humility to ask for it.

I listened to a wonderful online sermon on wisdom by Joshua Harris a couple of weeks ago that has left an impression on my heart. Click on the link below to be re-directed to the site. Enjoy and be changed for His glory and our joy.

An Indicator to Whether You Are Wise or Foolish: "An Indicator to Whether You Are Wise or Foolish from the Desiring God blog."

Baby Bits

Pray I don't (and the baby doesn't) get listeriosis from having eaten a bit of feta cheese on my gyro souvlaki this evening. Apparently, some cheeses like feta may be unpasteurized and could carry this harmful bacteria that could be fatal to a growing fetus.

I'm not worried. But I did panic for a second. Okay, a minute. Maybe two.

On a brighter note, the baby's kicking me up high near my belly button at the moment. It's the greatest feeling in being pregnant!

Routine

It isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'm glad to be back at work simply because I'm back to a regular routine of things, something I actually quite missed during the holidays. It's not always the most beneficial thing to "let yourself go" completely when you have a change in schedule (like when on vacation) because you may regret it later. Especially when you're pregnant, like me. I gained about 5 lbs in 9 days while in Vancouver. Seeing as it is highly impossible I will lose that weight in the next 3 months, I am determined to not gain any weight other than whatever the baby should gain in the next month or so. Here's hoping!

On the contrary, with routine comes the return of busyness which I am equally determined to avoid in the next three and a half months. And with busyness comes sin of omission and putting quality time with God on the back burner in favor of more immediate tasks (or even tasks that aren't so necessary). I'm taking one day at a time, slowing down my pace, quieting my heart (even for a moment) throughout the day just to pray, and committing myself to spending time in the Word or reading the words of those inspired by the Word before I go to bed. You should too. It will make a world of difference in the regular routine of your day.

That being said, time to get ready for bed!

Baby Bits

Today marks the beginning of the 25th week of my pregnancy (15 more to go - maybe less!). I never used to understand why my pregnant women friends always counted in weeks instead of months, but being pregnant now it totally makes sense. And if you didn't know, a women is pregnant for 10 months (not 9, unless you understand it to be 9 full months). So, for those who need clarification, I'm in my 6th month of pregnancy. Time has flown by!

Baby is moving A LOT these days – praise God! She startles me with her kicks at times that little “Oh’s!” escape through my breath. It’s a funny sensation, much like when I feel gaseous and my belly makes popping vibrations, except I can feel the kicks on the surface of my skin and today, for the first time, I saw my belly move! Dale missed it, though. He sat and started at the spot I saw her move for a good 35 seconds but didn’t catch her. Too bad for him!

It's a new year...

I quote a tweet from my favorite biblical scholar and teacher, John Piper (he is finally back on twitter after an 8 month sabbatical): "God promises new troubles (Matt. 6:34), new mercies (Lam. 3:23) and new hope (2 Cor. 4:16) for every day this year."

This morning I didn't plan to start off my day with a prayer. It's not something I usually do first thing in the morning. Don't get me wrong, I want to develop the habit but my mornings are usually quite busy and when it's not (like the past 2 weeks since I've been on holidays) I like to lay still in bed, thinking about everything and nothing at the same time. Mindlessly at times (as of recent), I check twitter. This morning, when I happened upon John Piper's tweet, I couldn't help but say aloud to myself "So true." And I immediately closed my eyes and spoke to God, acknowledging him as the God I love and serve as Lord and King, sovereign over all that happens in my life here on earth.

It's a new year and one that will indubitably be filled with promise, hope, dreams coming true (because God is always so good to us) but also one of trouble, frustration, anxiety, perhaps grief and sorrow, and pain. Let's not kid ourselves. The world isn't a happy place and unless you aren't human (or an escapist - but even then you still confront unwanted human emotions) you'll have to agree. One thing (okay, three things) I'm certain will remain unchangeable, unshakable, almighty, and loving throughout all my experiences and emotions this new year is God's presence, his power, and his peace. If we acknowledge Him in all things, I firmly believe that nothing will be able to rob us of the fullness of joy that is found in knowing that he is near at all times. Even those times when we don't feel him there.

So, cheers to a new year. May it bring each of us one step (or even more) closer to knowing ourselves and our Creator better so that we can joyfully live out the life he intends for us to live through Jesus - to the praise of His glory.

Winter Break

It's almost here. Two more days until my two week holiday. My much needed holiday. Being pregnant is finally catching up with me (aka. I'm tired). The pregnancy has been going surprisingly well so far. The first trimester was the worst, but only because I was super tired especially when I got home from work - like really tired. Like so tired I didn't want to get up off the couch and get myself a drink of water. My body just felt heavy (even though I didn't start showing until about a month or so ago) and I felt extremely lethargic. It's been a lot better since that 13 week hump, but I've always been one to be on the go and because I'm usually really busy working when I'm at work, I never feel the effects on my body until I get home. In short, I'm thankful for the break ahead.

My homeroom had a Secret Santa gift exchange today. It was their idea (I love them) and almost everyone participated which was nice to see. The hilarious moment of the exchange gift is noted below:

Vlad: "Mrs. Balce, someone gave me alcoholic chocolates!"
Me (gesturing to see the box in his hands): "What? Let me see that."
Me (reading the box): "Brandy Chocolates. 4.9% alcohol content. That's hilarious! Do you know who your Secret Santa is?" (Because in grade 7, it is very difficult to keep things to yourself)
Vlad: "Yeah. It was Simon."
Me (to Simon): "Simon! Why did you give him alcholic chocolates?"
Simon: "I didn't know there was alcohol in them. My mom got it and wrapped it for me."

???

I'm still trying to figure that out.

Seeds

After a pretty long hiatus, I've made a conscious decision to come back to the blogging world. I have to admit, reading through my old posts has made me miss it. So here I am again! Seeing as a new addition is coming and some major changes and adjustments are set to happen, I figured it would be pretty useful to start writing again (it will give me something to do when I'm on mat leave) and pretty cool to document life as it changes, grows, and becomes even more beautiful than it already is (all things considered). I have my Creator to thank for that!

So, hello again. Let me know you're still out there if you are!